CONVICTED (2015) | Nicholas J Etherington, born c. 1991, of Buckingham Road, Cadishead, Manchester M44 5HG – filmed swinging a Jack Russell before hurling him over a metal gate.
The dog, Sam, was found to have injuries to his back leg including skin lacerations and abrasions. There were also injuries to his neck tissues from where he had been handled.
Concerned neighbours caught the cruel actions on camera and contacted the RSPCA.
Etherington was found guilty in his absence of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and subjecting the dog to fear and distress.
Prosecuting at Manchester Magistrates Court, Anna McDonald said; “An RSPCA officer went to the house after a complaint had been received about concerns the dog was being beaten. There was no response from the house but when he was leaving a neighbour gave the inspector CCTV footage of Etherington throwing his dog over a metal gate.”
Etherington had two dogs, Sam and another called Lady, both of whom were taken into a re-homing centre.
Senior RSPCA inspector Paul Heaton said the violence the dog endured was ‘shocking’.
He said; “This was a very traumatic bit of footage to watch. It’s only a few seconds but shows the deplorable actions against a poor and defenceless dog. Anyone who sees this footage will be completely shocked and disgusted.
“The actions of Etherington are deeply disturbing and we had no choice than to take this man’s dogs away.
“The animal did nothing wrong and there is no excuse for disgusting actions of this kind towards a pet or any animal.”
Sentencing: 150 hours’ unpaid work; £550 in court costs, £250 towards RSPCA court costs and £60 victim surcharge. Banned from owning animals for five years (expired 2020).
If you haven’t got the patience for Basic Training that a Dog will need. Then don’t get a Dog in the first place.